Choosing a car battery

Car battery – this is one of the most important devices among other automotive equipment. That is why his choice must be treated responsibly and thoughtfully.

On the market are rechargeable batteries of different manufacturers and models. They differ not only in price. The battery is a very complicated device, which is characterized by many parameters. Not all of them are interchangeable and not all can be installed on any motor vehicles.

Additionally, the product quality criteria exist, which determine their reliability and lifetime. To choose the correct charger, you must follow the advice of experts and take into account the main factors the correct purchase.

Criteria for selecting the battery

Before going to the store you need to identify the main criteria on which the battery will be selected. After all, it should not only be suitable in size, but also to work together with other electrical devices and the vehicle equipment.

When choosing a car battery, be sure to take into account the following parameters of the device:

To start the internal combustion engine, the battery must have an adequate supply of energy, or a certain capacitance and at the same time to give sufficient power at the time of discharge. Standards are set and regulated by the two modes associated with the starter battery discharge: the definition of capacity and “cold start”.

Basically, the car manufacturers are specified the main parameters of batteries that are suitable for this machine model (as well as manufacturers of batteries specified car models to which they can be installed), but with some experience you can do this yourself.

Battery capacity

This parameter is a basic, which should be guided in choosing the battery. It is directly linked to the measure of the amount of electricity that gives the battery during discharge after prolonged use. In other words, it indicates the battery potential opportunities.

There are two modes of determining the electric capacity of the battery – at twenty-hour discharge (nominal capacity) or in standby mode (the time during which the battery can give current 25A).

Nominal electric capacity of the battery is indicated on the labeling. This option is selected depending on the car’s engine parameters (type, volume, and power) operating conditions of the vehicle and its various electrical equipment.

For example, a car with a gasoline engine of 2.5 – 3.0 liters, operated under normal conditions and having a basic electrical equipment, can be equipped with a battery capacity of 62 A • h. Increase or decrease the volume of 1.0 liters on average impact on the nominal capacity of 12-15 A • h. Diesel engines require higher nominal battery capacity by an average of 20% of the gasoline engines of similar size.

If the vehicle is operated in winter or on the roads, the nominal battery capacity to be increased by 10-15 A • h. The same can be said about the car that fits, “stuffed with” different electrical devices (air conditioner, a powerful sound system, heaters, etc.).

Starting current

Starting battery power characterizes the maximum output power, which it produces at a temperature of -18 degrees for 30 seconds. This parameter is linked to the ability of the battery to start the engine cold. Therefore it is also called cold current scroll. Basically, the inrush current depends on the class of the battery and its volume, but in some cases it should pay more careful attention. This applies mainly to the specific operating conditions.

So, in order to start the engine of the car at -20 degrees Celsius required inrush current twice larger than at 20 degrees. In addition, the cold start current value due to engine wear, its condition and the type of engine oil (when used with high viscosity grades require more current to start).

If the old battery is replaced by a new one, the battery should be chosen with the values ​​of starting current and capacity of no less old. This new battery capacity may be greater. Under normal operating conditions, the generator will provide its charge without any problems.

Contrary to general opinion, the use of higher-capacity car battery does not affect battery life. The battery of smaller capacity of the passport can be used only during the warmer months, but at the same time – a short time. Otherwise this equipment will last much time.

Dimensions, weight, size and polarity of the terminal

“Craftsmen”, of course, can accommodate any battery with the help of available tools and a hammer. But why do it if you can choose the right equipment? To do this, you need to know the size of the niche under the battery, as well as finding the location of the positive terminal on it.

If the “plus” is on the left, such a scheme is called a direct connection. If the left is a “minus” – reverse. In many cases, the battery with reversed polarity can be placed in direct circuit connection, but often may not have enough wire length or conclusions on the surface can prevent the closure of the bonnet. That is why the battery should be selected that is suitable in size and connection.

Serviced and maintenance-free batteries

The CRA has served the possibility of resuming the electrolyte level, which necessarily should be monitored at least once a month and topped up in the case of evaporation or boiling (if unstable). Maintenance-free models are not made to come apart. Electrolyte that they contain thicker or absorbed.

Safety of operation maintenance-free batteries are much higher. They are not subject to deformation during temperature changes, they can turn and operate at a significant shake, but they are more expensive. Therefore, not new car, which is not burdened with additional equipment, with worn-out generator to deliver better served by low-cost battery. But it is necessary to constantly monitor the level of the electrolyte.

Avoid fakes!

When you purchase it is also important to avoid fakes, because the quality and the stated parameters will rarely match reality. Forgery is easily determined by the quality of housing, plug, pin terminals, lack of protective caps on them, detailed labeling and a special registration certificate.